Cristian Tello says Yamal would have found it difficult to establish himself at Barça in 2012

“Yamal starting at 19 for Barcelona in 2012? I don’t think so; it would have been difficult for him,” Cristian Tello said. The former FC Barcelona winger nevertheless believes Lamine Yamal could have made it into the professional squad thanks to his ability and what he is showing.

Tello’s question is where Yamal might have fitted into one of the greatest Barça teams in history. In 2012, the side managed by Pep Guardiola included players such as Alexis Sanchez, Pedri, David Villa and Leo Messi, he points out. Against names of that calibre, breaking into the first team would have been a major challenge for a player from the academy.

“At our time, breaking through was more difficult,” Tello said. His argument centres on the competition under Guardiola: in his view, Yamal would have struggled to establish himself. The former forward is not questioning the player’s potential, but distinguishes between reaching the professional squad and securing a regular starting place in that 2012 team.